BART General Manager Submits Resignation

BART is now officially looking for a new general manager.

Dorothy Dugger submitted her resignation today, ending a 19-year career at the transit agency as well as several months of behind-the-scenes manuvering.

Dugger's last day will be April 22.

She will be paid a settlement of $958,000. BART officials said $600,000 of that package is the severance Duggar would have received if she'd been terminated. Another $350,000 is to avoid litigation between the two parties.

Dugger has been BART's general manager since 2007. She was also the system's deputy general manager for 13 years. She was BART's first female general manager.

The BART board will meet in closed session Thursday to discuss the search for a replacement as well as the appointment of an interim general manager.

"It has been a challenging, exciting and professionally rewarding experience to lead a great organization that provides a vitally important service to the people of the Bay Area every day,” said Dugger.  “I am extremely proud of all that we have achieved and BART’s strong record of accomplishment."

“On behalf of the BART board, I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to Dorothy for her tireless work and lifelong dedication to public service,” said BART Board President Bob Franklin.

In February, the board reportedly voted 5-4 in a closed door session to ask Dugger to resign. That vote was later rescinded due to concerns the action might have been illegal.

BART officials had refused comment since then on Dugger's status.